Latest news with #OldFashioned
Hype Malaysia
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
From St. Regis To Maria's SteakCafe: 6 Father's Day Dining Promotions That Celebrate Your Superman!
Dads, how can we not love them? As daughters, our first love will always fall to our dads, and for sons, he'll always be the one person you'll look up to in any situation. As Father's Day rolls around the corner, take this time to appreciate your dad in the best way possible – through his stomach, of course! This listicle compiles a list of hotel and eatery promotions all in commemoration of Father's Day. Falling next Sunday (15th June 2025), here are 6 Father's Day promotions happening next weekend!: 1. St. Regis Kuala Lumpur This Father's Day, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur honours the enduring presence of fatherhood with a day curated to celebrate their quiet majesty. The 'Man Of The Hour' is a distinguished experience for the modern gentleman, unfolding across two luxurious venues on 15th June 2025 (Sunday). Man Of The Hour – Father's Day Brunch (The Brasserie, Level 2) An ode to The Astor family's lavish family gatherings, the Sunday Brunch is a luxurious affair of gourmet offerings, reimagined to celebrate the modern gentleman on Father's Day. With premium roasts carved tableside, a lavish spread of seafood and desserts, with live melodies in the air, this brunch becomes a tribute to dads who lead with quiet strength. 15th June 2025 | 12:30pm – 3:30pm RM338 nett per adult RM168 nett per child Other highlights include: At RM568 per adult, take home a personal keepsake of bottled Old Fashioned wine that sets them apart as 'Man of the Hour'. Astro Bar Presents Man Of The Hour (Astro Bar, Level 2) As twilight approaches, Astro Bar sets the stage for a Father's Day tribute steeped in bold tradition and contemporary flair. The journey begins with the Flights of The Macallan Tasting and a Trinidad Cigar conversation, paired with a sculptural Oyster luge, paired with bold and fiery whisky, adding dramatic flavours to the evening. 15th June 2025 | 5 p.m onwards RM388 net per person Other highlights include: The Astro Bar 'Man of the Hour' includes a live performance for all its customers that will begin at 8:30pm, as well as an additional à la carte 1-meter-long hot dog at RM188 each. For reservations and inquiries, please call +603 2727 6696 or email St. Regis at 2. Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur This Father's Day, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur invites families to honour the extraordinary dads in their lives with a variety of indulgent dining experiences and delightful gift options. From lavish buffets and elegant set menus to handcrafted sweet treats, each offering is carefully curated to make every father feel truly appreciated. Lemon Garden – An International Feast for Fathers Treat your father to a memorable afternoon at Lemon Garden, where indulgence meets family fun in a vibrant setting. On 15th June, enjoy a specially curated buffet lunch featuring an impressive spread of international dishes, crafted to celebrate the most important man in the room. From freshly caught seafood such as prawns, baby lobster and mussels, to Asian favourites including wok-fried specialities, rich curries and delicate handmade dim sum, the spread offers something for every taste. Western highlights include made-to-order pasta, gourmet cheeses and premium charcuterie. Sushi and sashimi, along with refreshing Middle Eastern mezze and Mediterranean salads, add a touch of elegance and variety to the occasion. 15th June 2025 | 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. RM198 per person Other highlights include: Kids Activities Families with young children will enjoy a series of engaging activities held in the Garden Room from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. The activities include cookie and cupcake decorating, Father's Day card crafting and origami paper crown making, providing fun for the little ones while the grown-ups dine in comfort. Shang Palace – A Culinary Salute to Fatherhood For those who appreciate a more refined celebration, Shang Palace presents 'A Culinary Salute to Fatherhood', available from 1st to 15th June 2025. Guided by Executive Chinese Chef Keith Yeap, this specially crafted set menu pays tribute to paternal strength and devotion, bringing together traditional flavours with modern finesse. 1st – 15th June 2025 RM198 nett per person For dining reservations and inquiries, please contact us at +603 2786 2378 or email enquiries at 3. Maria's SteakCafe Celebrate the dads who've given their all with a memorable meal at Maria's SteakCafe, where family, food, and heartfelt appreciation come together. With premium steaks, decadent desserts, and a special self-care gift just for Dad, it's a celebration that's big on flavour and even bigger on love. Known for its premium steaks and cosy atmosphere, Maria's SteakCafe has prepared a special Father's Day set menu featuring a four-course menu with beloved classics and indulgent options. 14th – 15th June RM130++ per person Other highlights include: A Special Gift for Dad: Ooosh!TM Scalp and Hair Treatment Session This Father's Day, Maria's SteakCafe has partnered with Ooosh!TM, a trusted name in natural hair regrowth, to offer a Hair Growth Treatment session worth RM450 to every dad who enjoys the Father's Day set menu. It's a thoughtful self-care package designed to help him relax, recharge, and feel truly appreciated. For reservations and more details, please contact Maria's SteakCafe at +6017 902 0339 or visit 4. W Kuala Lumpur Celebrate Dad in W Style at Flock's Sunday Brunch: Father's Day Edition (Flock, Level 8) This Father's Day, honour the man of the moment with an unforgettable brunch at Flock, W Kuala Lumpur. On 15th June 2025 (Sunday), Flock invites families to gather for a lively afternoon filled with bold Pan-Asian flavours, feel-good classics, and vibrant W energy—all in celebration of Dad. From mouthwatering brunch staples to creative Asian-inspired delights, Flock's Father's Day spread is thoughtfully curated to please every palate. If Dad is a fan of grilled meats, fresh seafood, or indulgent desserts, this brunch is a feast he won't forget. Guests will also enjoy interactive culinary stations and a made-to-order selection that brings a theatrical touch to the dining experience. 15th June 2025 | 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. RM248+ per adult RM124+ per child (aged 6 and above) Other highlights include: Father's Day Raffle All dads dining with us will stand a chance to win one of three Day Passes to WET Deck, granting access for 2 adults and 2 kids—a perfect family day of poolside relaxation with panoramic city views. Best Dressed Contest Guests are encouraged to show up in their most creative attire for a chance to win exclusive dining vouchers. Categories include: Most Typical Dad Look Best Matching Family Outfit Best Dressed Dad For reservations or more information, contact them at +60 3-2786 8888 or WhatsApp +60 12-347 9088 or email 5. Courtyard Kuala Lumpur South Celebrate Father's Day At Courtyard (Substance, Level 3) Enjoy a special lunch and dinner buffet at Substance, featuring gourmet burgers and a delicious array of sides, thoughtfully prepared by the chef and culinary team at Courtyard Kuala Lumpur South. 15th June 2025 | 12:30pm – 3pm (Lunch), 6:30pm – 10:30pm (Dinner) MYR 158 nett per adult MYR 108 nett per senior citizen (55 years old and above) MYR 79 nett per child (6 – 11 years old) A Royal Toast To Dad (137 Bar, Mezzanine Floor) This Father's Day, treat him to a journey through the Highlands and beyond with our exclusive 6-glass whisky tasting flight at 137 Bar. 13th – 15th June 2025 | 3pm – 12am RM158 net per person For more information and reservations, please WhatsApp +603 8682 8898 6. The Westin Kuala Lumpur This Father's Day, celebrate the extraordinary man in your life with a special dinner buffet experience at The Westin Kuala Lumpur's all-day dining restaurant, The Living Room. Spend the day with Dad on Sunday, June 15, while indulging in a buffet that with a range of selections from grilled meats to indulgent desserts, all curated thoughtfully to celebrate the hardworking, loving father figure. 15th June 2025 RM158 per person Other highlights include: Mini Putt Challenge : Score a hole-in-one and win a free beer or fresh coconut : Score a hole-in-one and win a free beer or fresh coconut Lucky Draw: Leave a review and stand a chance to win a complimentary Westin-dulgence Buffet for 1 (3 sets) For booking and inquiries, guests may reach out to Westin Dining at +603 2773 8015 or WhatsApp +60 12-305 1715. Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Forbes
29-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Best Bourbons Under $50, According To Bartenders
Pouring whiskey in glass on bar counter. getty If you've ever stood in the whiskey aisle staring down a wall of bottles and wondering if that $28 bourbon will make you feel refined or just regretful, you're not alone. Fortunately, good bourbon doesn't have to cost as much as a steak dinner. Some bottles under $50 are not just passable—they're genuinely fantastic, whether you're sipping neat, mixing a Manhattan, or just trying to impress someone without showing them your receipt. I asked bartenders, beverage directors, and bourbon buffs across the country to share their go-to bottles that over deliver under the $50 mark. The results? A collection of bourbons that taste like you know a guy in Kentucky. Here's what to pour. Michter's US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Michter's Smooth operator with butterscotch charm Michter's is one of those brands that takes its time — and it shows. The US1 expression is small-batch and aged in fire-charred, new American oak barrels, offering a level of polish rarely seen at this price point. Kristen Love of InterContinental New York Barclay sums it up best: 'Michter's US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon stands out in its price range for its exceptional smoothness and depth… rich notes of butterscotch, stone fruit, and subtle spice, all wrapped in a silky finish.' It's the kind of bourbon you reach for when you want to impress someone without looking like you tried too hard. Mix it in an Old Fashioned or sip it neat — either way, you'll look like a seasoned pro. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Wild Turkey The cask strength classic that pulls no punches This one's not for the faint of heart, but that's the fun of it. Rare Breed is a barrel-proof bourbon — meaning it's not diluted before bottling — with a blend of 6-, 8-, and 12-year-old whiskeys, giving it an unusual level of complexity. 'It shares some of the solid characteristics of older cask strength bourbons without quite as high a price tag,' says Owen Thompson of The Square DC. Tasting notes? Think deep caramel, toasted pecan, dark cherry, and a pop of cinnamon spice that lingers long after your last sip. It clocks in at around 116.8 proof, but it's surprisingly balanced for its strength. Use it in a Manhattan if you dare — or just enjoy it while contemplating your life choices. Bardstown Origin Series Wheated Bourbon Bardstown For bourbon nerds who like full disclosure and full flavor This wheated bourbon is a relatively new entrant, but it's already earning a place on shelves and in hearts. Sitting at 96 proof and aged for 6 years, the Bardstown Origin Series Wheated is the kind of bottle that feels like a find. Corey Hollinger from Serliana in Indianapolis calls it: 'Rich in baked apple, honeyed oak, and subtle cinnamon… rivals far pricier pours.' The transparency is part of the charm—every detail, from mash bill (68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley) to distillation and aging, is listed proudly. It drinks like a soft, spiced apple crumble, making it a sweet spot bourbon for those tired of hype-chasing. Good Trouble Kentucky Straight Bourbon Good Trouble A bold pour with a bigger purpose Named in tribute to the late Congressman John Lewis, Good Trouble Bourbon blends flavor and mission. Bottled at 92 proof, this small-batch Kentucky bourbon delivers well-rounded notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and warm baking spices. Chicago bartender Josh Davis puts it best: 'With its combination of quality craftsmanship, distinctive flavor, and social mission, Good Trouble offers a premium experience at an accessible price point.' This is the bottle you pull out when you want to taste something good — and feel good about it. Pro tip: try it in a Whiskey Sour to let the caramel and spice play nicely with citrus. FEW Spirits Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon FEW Spirits Craft-made charm from Prohibition's hometown From Evanston, IL — the birthplace of the temperance movement — comes a rebellious little bourbon that refuses to be boring. FEW's Bottled-in-Bond is aged at least four years and bottled at 100 proof, with a mash bill that leans heavy on rye. Kyle McHugh, a longtime hospitality pro, calls it: 'Rich… dark red cherry and other red fruits, a delicately smoky vanilla note, & lively sumptuous caramel.' The red fruit really shines here — think cherry cola meets vanilla bean — with a slightly smoky backbone that makes it ideal for late-night sipping or standing out in a whiskey-forward cocktail. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Woodford Reserve A rich, toasty riff on a bourbon classic What happens when you take Woodford Reserve and age it again in a second, deeply toasted, lightly charred barrel? You get Double Oaked — a bourbon that somehow feels twice as luxurious while still under $50. 'It drinks bigger than it is,' says Lauren Painter of Scoundrel. Mourad Atiki of The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown adds,'Pleasant hints of caramel and toasted oak… vanilla and chocolate as well.' This is a dessert bourbon in all the right ways — rich, warm, and indulgent, but never cloying. Serve it with pecan pie or just drink it instead of dessert. Pinhook Straight Bourbon Whiskey Pinhook Approachable, bright, and cocktail-ready Pinhook takes a vintage-by-vintage approach to bourbon, releasing new blends each year. The core straight bourbon expression is light, zesty, and packed with flavor. Ivo Arkulin of The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans says: 'The nose is packed with orange peel and vanilla, with hints of butterscotch and nutmeg.' It's a natural fit for cocktails like the Paper Plane or a Vieux Carré, where its spice and citrus notes brighten up heavier components. Don't be fooled by the sub-$40 price tag — this one punches well above its weight. Russell's Reserve 10 Year Wild Turkey A decade in oak and a lot to love Crafted by Jimmy and Eddie Russell of Wild Turkey fame, this small-batch 90 proof bourbon has a well-earned reputation for being reliable, rich, and way too affordable for its age statement. David Orellana of Grand Brasserie says: 'Highly complex with notes of spicy vanilla, caramel, and sweet clove… finishes with a long oak-driven spice and butterscotch sweetness.' Aged in alligator char barrels, Russell's 10 offers a big, brooding sip that pairs well with cigars, deep thoughts, or slow Sunday afternoons. Eagle Rare 10 Year Buffalo Trace If you see it, don't think — buy A staple from Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare is often elusive but never disappointing. David Miller of HEI Hotels says: 'It delivers rich notes of caramel, oak, and dark fruit that rival bourbons twice its price… It does sell out often, so if you can grab a bottle at retail price, do it.' It's a mellow, aged beauty with flavors of toffee, candied orange peel, leather, and a whisper of cocoa. Eric LeGrand Bourbon Eric LeGrand Smooth sipper with a story to match Created in partnership with former Rutgers football player and spinal cord injury advocate Eric LeGrand, this bourbon is as meaningful as it is delicious. At around 88 proof, it's approachable yet full-bodied. Janelly Torres of Strickland's Steakhouse says: 'It's incredibly smooth with rich caramel and oak notes that pair perfectly with our signature cuts.' Aged in new charred oak and non-chill filtered, it brings butterscotch and toasted almond to the forefront with a soft, velvety finish. Bonus: proceeds support spinal cord injury research and awareness. Whether you're building your bourbon bar on a budget or just want to find a bottle that impresses without intimidation, this list proves you don't have to spend a fortune to drink like you did. And if anyone rolls their eyes at your under-$50 pick, just pour them a glass and let the bourbon do the talking. Odds are, they'll be asking where you got it by the second sip.
Eater
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
The Best Old Fashioneds in D.C.
View as Map Bourbon or rye, a sugar cube, and bitters. It's a simple drink that focuses on highlighting its base and is a great way to start a meal or end a night. But in a city with creative mixologists and a global palate, an Old Fashioned don't have to stay so, well, old fashioned. Here's just a few places that are taking these three basic ingredients and trying something new: bringing in some sweet, some heat, and a lot more banana than you'd expect. Did we miss your favorite spot? Drop a note at the tipline or email dc@ and we'll consider it for the next update. Read More Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy. Although Cana markets itself as a caipirinha bar (and believe me, they do the signature Brazilian cocktail well), they have one of the city's best new Old Fashioneds hidden away on their menu too. The bar strips back everything you know about the drink, leaving just the bourbon base (but finished with amburana) and then adding its own Brazilian flavors, including guava, banana, and the signature tamarind. Its namesake ingredient gives it a tangy caramel flavor that feels like it could easily be found on a beach in Rio. Signature Old Fashioned at Jack Rose Dining Saloon Jack Rose, with its 2,700 different whiskeys, doesn't make an Old Fashioned. They make the Old Fashioned. Wild Turkey, demerara, and bitters. That's it. This is for the staunch traditionalist who wants an alcohol-forward drink and they want to have it in a dimly-lit room while sitting in a smooth leather booth. If you want to switch it up a bit though, they'd be happy to switch out the Wild Turkey for something else from their robust selection. Alchemist Old Fashioned at The Alchemist Tucked away behind a hidden door, this speakeasy is secretly serving up a simple and smooth Old Fashioned with just a hint of pageantry. As the name would suggest, they love to play with fire at the Alchemist and their eponymous Old Fashioned runs with that idea. Served with a blowtorch and a skull head that looks like something out of Indiana Jones, the drink is smoked at the table while sugar and orange rind are charred beforehand. This brings out a real depth of flavor from every ingredient while keeping things quite traditional. Daddy Issues at Service Bar Recently re-anointed as one of North America's 50 best bars, Service Bar is sure to impress with not one but two Old Fashioned options. While those looking for something traditional and alcohol-forward may want to go with the Whiskey Whiskey, the Daddy Issues is something a bit more unique than your own father's preferred pour. A combination of black cardamom-infused Michter's, fig balsamic, and creme de cacao give it a smoky, verging on umami profile. It is not too sweet but still has the richness of a good dessert making for a great nightcap. Cigar Old Fashioned at Bar Pilar Bar Pilar promises to take you on a journey through Ernest Hemingway's life in Cuba and this Old Fashioned feels like the perfect way to honor The Sun Also Rises author. The focus here is on the blend of Nearest Green bourbon and Laphroaig scotch with just sugar, bitters, and a bit of cinnamon to round it out. It's a stiff drink and makes for a great sipper. There is a reason that this is the first cocktail the wait staff at Korean hit Anju will tell you to order. Taking the light and gentle flavor of Japanese Iwai whiskey and washing it in sesame oil gives the drink a rounded nutty flavor with a creamy mouthfeel. This melts together perfectly with black tea-infused tart cherry juice and rhubarb bitters which makes the whole concoction very refreshing and just a little bit too easy to drink. If you're looking for something a little more classic, the Seoul Fashioned is also available but this one is just too special not to highlight. Capital One Dining Book primetime tables set aside exclusively for eligible Capital One customers. Capital One Dining is the presenting partner of the Eater app. Sign up for our newsletter. With a spectacular Roman cocktail menu (available now through the end of the summer) it makes sense that beverage director Jonathan Henriquez insists on putting on a show for every guest. For the menu that took him over a year to put together, he made sure that every drink has a performative element and he made no exception here. As a small plume of smoke billows out from the top of the skull-shaped goblet, you'll notice a custom-made ice cube (courtesy of the Ice Queen) with a picture of Mount Vesuvius frozen into the center. Henriquez even made sure it was laminated so guests could bring it home as a memento. The drink itself leans on the delightfully smoky side thanks to a port-finished Woodinville bourbon, porcini mushrooms, and Ardberg Uigeadail. Capital One Dining Book primetime tables set aside exclusively for eligible Capital One customers. Capital One Dining is the presenting partner of the Eater app. Draft Old Fashioned at Last Call Bar If you're looking for a no-frills Old Fashioned that goes down smooth and is easy on the wallet, Last Call has what you need and the owners are so confident in it they keep it on draft all year round. It's alcohol-forward for those who don't want something too sweet and, at $8, is by the far the most affordable on this list. Beijing Old Fashioned at Chang Chang It might not be common to sip an Old Fashioned alongside mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and fried rice but Chang Chang is not your common Szechuan restaurant. The wild banana chai-infused whiskey and cardamom clove syrup give the drink a balanced smoky sweet flavor that lends itself well to the restaurant's spicy menu. Lakhan's Old Fashioned at Tapori Co-owner Dante Datta and manager EJ Apaga take a yin and yang approach to developing their cocktail menu. While Dante is very interested in unique drinks you won't see anywhere else, EJ focuses on elevating the classics. Their perfect Old Fashioned falls more into the latter camp, taking Wild Turkey bourbon and marrying it with a slightly-spicy, smoky chaat masala and the delicious unrefined jaggery cane sugar that is popular across the Indian subcontinent. Ni De Aqui Ni De Alla at Providencia 'Ni de aquí, Ni de allá' is the immigrant experience summarized in a single sentence, describing the complexity of being between two cultures. Co-owners Pedro Tobar and Danny Gonzalez turn this sentence into liquid form; blending together classic Kentucky bourbon with small-batch Oaxacan mezcal. Plantains give the drink a distinctly soft sweetness that radiates through every sip. It reminds us that Latin American ingredients enhance the more traditional flavors of our shared America. Old Fashioned Habits at Dirty Habit Beverage director Aniceto 'JR' Rena knows what you need to start the summer, blending Rowan's Creek bourbon and Uncle Nearest whiskey (named after the original distiller of Jack Daniels) with sassafras sugar and root beer bitters to make for something very refreshing on a hot day. While this gives the drink a subtle vanilla/caramel flavor, it's not overly sweet. Finished off with picked hon shimeji mushrooms, there's always a fun bite at the bottom of your glass (don't be afraid to use a finger to fish them out). © 2025 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Link copied to the clipboard. Although Cana markets itself as a caipirinha bar (and believe me, they do the signature Brazilian cocktail well), they have one of the city's best new Old Fashioneds hidden away on their menu too. The bar strips back everything you know about the drink, leaving just the bourbon base (but finished with amburana) and then adding its own Brazilian flavors, including guava, banana, and the signature tamarind. Its namesake ingredient gives it a tangy caramel flavor that feels like it could easily be found on a beach in Rio. Jack Rose, with its 2,700 different whiskeys, doesn't make an Old Fashioned. They make the Old Fashioned. Wild Turkey, demerara, and bitters. That's it. This is for the staunch traditionalist who wants an alcohol-forward drink and they want to have it in a dimly-lit room while sitting in a smooth leather booth. If you want to switch it up a bit though, they'd be happy to switch out the Wild Turkey for something else from their robust selection. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Tucked away behind a hidden door, this speakeasy is secretly serving up a simple and smooth Old Fashioned with just a hint of pageantry. As the name would suggest, they love to play with fire at the Alchemist and their eponymous Old Fashioned runs with that idea. Served with a blowtorch and a skull head that looks like something out of Indiana Jones, the drink is smoked at the table while sugar and orange rind are charred beforehand. This brings out a real depth of flavor from every ingredient while keeping things quite traditional. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Recently re-anointed as one of North America's 50 best bars, Service Bar is sure to impress with not one but two Old Fashioned options. While those looking for something traditional and alcohol-forward may want to go with the Whiskey Whiskey, the Daddy Issues is something a bit more unique than your own father's preferred pour. A combination of black cardamom-infused Michter's, fig balsamic, and creme de cacao give it a smoky, verging on umami profile. It is not too sweet but still has the richness of a good dessert making for a great nightcap. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Bar Pilar promises to take you on a journey through Ernest Hemingway's life in Cuba and this Old Fashioned feels like the perfect way to honor The Sun Also Rises author. The focus here is on the blend of Nearest Green bourbon and Laphroaig scotch with just sugar, bitters, and a bit of cinnamon to round it out. It's a stiff drink and makes for a great sipper. Book with OpenTable Book with OpenTable Open in Google Maps Foursquare There is a reason that this is the first cocktail the wait staff at Korean hit Anju will tell you to order. Taking the light and gentle flavor of Japanese Iwai whiskey and washing it in sesame oil gives the drink a rounded nutty flavor with a creamy mouthfeel. This melts together perfectly with black tea-infused tart cherry juice and rhubarb bitters which makes the whole concoction very refreshing and just a little bit too easy to drink. If you're looking for something a little more classic, the Seoul Fashioned is also available but this one is just too special not to highlight. Open in Google Maps Foursquare With a spectacular Roman cocktail menu (available now through the end of the summer) it makes sense that beverage director Jonathan Henriquez insists on putting on a show for every guest. For the menu that took him over a year to put together, he made sure that every drink has a performative element and he made no exception here. As a small plume of smoke billows out from the top of the skull-shaped goblet, you'll notice a custom-made ice cube (courtesy of the Ice Queen) with a picture of Mount Vesuvius frozen into the center. Henriquez even made sure it was laminated so guests could bring it home as a memento. The drink itself leans on the delightfully smoky side thanks to a port-finished Woodinville bourbon, porcini mushrooms, and Ardberg Uigeadail. Open in Google Maps Foursquare If you're looking for a no-frills Old Fashioned that goes down smooth and is easy on the wallet, Last Call has what you need and the owners are so confident in it they keep it on draft all year round. It's alcohol-forward for those who don't want something too sweet and, at $8, is by the far the most affordable on this list. Open in Google Maps Foursquare It might not be common to sip an Old Fashioned alongside mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and fried rice but Chang Chang is not your common Szechuan restaurant. The wild banana chai-infused whiskey and cardamom clove syrup give the drink a balanced smoky sweet flavor that lends itself well to the restaurant's spicy menu. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Co-owner Dante Datta and manager EJ Apaga take a yin and yang approach to developing their cocktail menu. While Dante is very interested in unique drinks you won't see anywhere else, EJ focuses on elevating the classics. Their perfect Old Fashioned falls more into the latter camp, taking Wild Turkey bourbon and marrying it with a slightly-spicy, smoky chaat masala and the delicious unrefined jaggery cane sugar that is popular across the Indian subcontinent. 'Ni de aquí, Ni de allá' is the immigrant experience summarized in a single sentence, describing the complexity of being between two cultures. Co-owners Pedro Tobar and Danny Gonzalez turn this sentence into liquid form; blending together classic Kentucky bourbon with small-batch Oaxacan mezcal. Plantains give the drink a distinctly soft sweetness that radiates through every sip. It reminds us that Latin American ingredients enhance the more traditional flavors of our shared America. Beverage director Aniceto 'JR' Rena knows what you need to start the summer, blending Rowan's Creek bourbon and Uncle Nearest whiskey (named after the original distiller of Jack Daniels) with sassafras sugar and root beer bitters to make for something very refreshing on a hot day. While this gives the drink a subtle vanilla/caramel flavor, it's not overly sweet. Finished off with picked hon shimeji mushrooms, there's always a fun bite at the bottom of your glass (don't be afraid to use a finger to fish them out). Book with OpenTable Book with OpenTable Open in Google Maps Foursquare
Black America Web
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Spirit.Ed: We've Got Some Cocktails & Brews On Deck For Memorial Day Weekend 2025
Happy Memorial Day Weekend! We're getting this roundup posted later than we intended, so our apologies. Keep reading and scrolling for all the recipes and selections. I'm getting a later-than-normal start for Memorial Day Weekend due to some unforeseen circumstances, but we're back on track. In this roundup, I'm focusing on cocktails, which is the primary focus of but also some brews and some ready-to-drink (RTD) options. As I'm writing this particular piece, I'm having a neat pour of Foursquare Distillery's Doorly's 14, a fantastic aged rum out of Barbados that doesn't fuss with any additional dosing, aka added sugar. I'm trying it out neat to figure out what kind of rum-based cocktail I'll be making. It does make a mean Old Fashioned, especially with chocolate and orange bitters, along with rich demerara simple syrup. Lately, I've been wanting a crisp, cold beer, especially as the days grow longer and the temperatures warm ever so slightly. It's been a bit cool in the mid-Atlantic for this time of year, but that won't stop the festivities for many, including me. For now, enjoy this selection of cocktails, beers, and more. We thank all of our armed forces veterans for their service. Have a happy Memorial Day Weekend. Source:Ketel One Ingredients: 1.5 oz Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose0.5 oz Fresh lemon juice0.3 oz Rose syrupTop with Sparkling Rosé Garnish: Grapefruit peel Method: Combine Ketel One Botanical, lemon juice, and rose syrup in a cocktail shaker with good quality ice cubes. Shake and fine strain into a flute glass. Top with sparkling rosé and garnish with a grapefruit peel. Source:Milagro Tequila Ingredients: 2 parts Milagro Cristalino Añejo1 part dry vermouth Bar spoon of Cointreau Grapefruit peel to garnish Method: Combine ingredients over ice in a mixing glass and stir. Strain into martini glass and garnish with grapefruit peel. Source:Elysian Brewing Elysian Brewing is one of my favorite beer brands, and when I reach for a cold one, it's usually one of their delightfully hoppy pale ales. For the summer, Elysian is rolling out an easy-drinking blonde ale under the name Lemon Daydream that we'll be trying out soon. Learn more here. Source:Lavazza Ingredients: 1 fl oz Lavazza coffee1 fl oz vodka1 fl oz coffee liquor6 ice cubes 1 teaspoon sugar Method: STEP 1 – Make the sugar syrup by placing the caster sugar in a small pan over a medium heat and pouring in 50ml water, stir and bring to the boil. STEP 2 (Optional) – Place a few ice cubes in the glass for a few minutes while you prepare the drink and then discard before pouring the drink. STEP 3 – Once the sugar syrup is cool, pour 1 tbsp. into the shaker along with the ice, vodka, coffee liqueur and until the outside of the shaker feels icy cold. STEP 4 – Strain into the chilled glasses and garnish. Source:Teeling Ingredients: 1 ½ oz Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey1 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice ½ oz Martini Riserva (aperol) ½ oz Simple Syrup 1 dash of Orange Bitters Method: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake until chilled and fine strain in a Rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a grapefruit slice. Source:Hendrick's Ingredients: 1 ½ parts Hendrick's Oasium2 parts chilled green tea¾ part lemon juice¾ part simple syrup2 dashes cardamom bitters1 ½ parts / top sparkling water Cucumber slice and lemon wheel for garnish Method: Build in a teapot over ice and garnish with a slice of cucumber and a lemon wheel. Source:Tullamore D.E.W. Ingredients: 1 ½ parts Tullamore D.E.W. Honey3 parts lemonadeSqueeze of fresh lemon Top with club soda Method: Combine all ingredients. Stir and pour. Source:Angel's Envy 2 oz ANGEL'S ENVY Bourbon finished in port wine barrels0.5 oz lime 4 oz chilled club soda Method: Squeeze the lime half into a tall highball glass and drop into the glass. Add ANGEL'S ENVY and chilled soda. Top with ice, stir well, and enjoy. Source:Lone Rive Hard seltzers are a winner when it's warm out, and Lone River has a variety of flavors for the occasion. The Lemonade Splash variety pack is a good place to start for those curious to try out these crushable and low-calorie sips. Learn more here. Source:Grey Goose 2 oz Grey Goose La Poire Flavored Vodka1 oz Lime Juice0.5 oz Light AgaveFrench Sea Salt Tarragon or Thyme Method: Rim half of a rocks glass with sea salt. Combine the liquid ingredients, shake, then strain over fresh ice in the glass. Garnish with your herb of choice — tarragon and thyme both work well. Source:1800 Tequila 1.5oz 1800 Blanco1oz Pineapple Juice.75oz Lime Juice.75oz Jalapeño Simple SyrupDashes Angostura Bitters Garnish with Pineapple Frond Shake all ingredients and strain over fresh ice into rocks glass. Garnish with 2 manicured pineapple fronds. Source:CELSIUS (Created in partnership with Ninja Kitchen) Ingredients: 1 can CELSIUS Playa Vibe1 cup pineapple juice 1/2 cup coconut cream Blend for a frozen treat or serve over ice. Garnish with a cherry and pineapple slice—and enjoy! Source:D'USSÉ 1.5 oz D'USSÉ VSOP Cognac3 oz Lemonade 1 oz Pomegranate Juice Method: Build a high ball with ice. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and rosemary sprig. Source:Monkey Shoulder Ingredients: 2 parts Monkey Shoulder½ part honey syrup 3 dashes Angostura bitters 1 strip orange peel Method: Combine ice and ingredients in mixing glass. Stir for 15 seconds. Strain over fresh ice in DOF/Rocks glass. Garnish with orange peel. Source:Glenfiddich Ingredients: 2 Parts Glenfiddich Solera 15 Year Old 1 Part Campari 1 Part Sweet Vermouth Method: Add a 2-inch ice cube to a rocks glass and set aside. In a mixing glass, combine Glenfiddich Solera 15 Year Old, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir over ice until well chilled, to enhance the whisky's silky smooth taste. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with an orange twist. Source:Smirnoff ICE Smirnoff ICE got into the ready-to-drink (RTD) game a bit ago, and now they're back with their Sunny Days variety pack. This is another one we'll be trying out soon. Learn more here. Source:Bombay Sapphire 1.5 oz Bombay Sapphire3 oz Lemonade3 oz Club Soda Fresh Lemon Method: Build in balloon glass full of ice then garnish with a lemon twist from a fresh lemon. Source:Cutwater Ingredients: 1 can Cutwater Lime Margarita3-4 slices of red pepper, muddledTajín for the rim Dehydrated lime wheel To Make: Rim a glass with lime juice and dip it in Tajín. Muddle the red pepper slices in the glass, add ice, and pour in the Lime Margarita. Garnish with a pepper slice and a dehydrated lime wheel. Source:Reyka Vodka Ingredients: 1 ½ parts Reyka Vodka 1 part Ancho Reyes ¾ part Fresh Lemon Juice 6 parts Unsweetened Iced Tea Method: Combine all ingredients into cocktail shaker. Shake and serve in Collins or Footed Pilsner glass and garnish with a lemon wheel. Source:Dewar's 1.5 oz Dewar's 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky0.75 oz Simple Syrup0.75 oz Lemon JuiceSoda Water 2 Strawberries, Quartered Method: Muddle strawberries in bottom of shaker. Add scotch whisky, simple syrup, And Lemon Juice. Shake And Strain Over Fresh Ice In Glass. Top With Soda Water. Source:Bacardi 1.5 oz BACARDÍ Lime Flavored Rum1.5 oz Lemonade 1.5 oz Lemon-Lime Soda or Club Soda Method: Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour and gently stir in all ingredients. Garnish with a lime wedge. Source:Astral Tequila Ingredients: 1.5oz Astral Tequila Reposado3oz Lemonade1oz Ruby Red Grapefruit JuiceTop with Club Soda Glassware: Highball Glass Garnish: Chili Lime Seasoning + Grapefruit Wedge Preparation: Add Astral Tequila Reposado, lemonade, and ruby red grapefruit juice to an ice-filled highball glass. Stir, top with club soda, and garnish with a grapefruit wedge topped with chili lime seasoning. Source:Marcado 28 Ingredients: 3 oz Marcado 28 Blanco Tequila2 oz Triple Sec2 oz fresh orange juice2 oz fresh lime juice1 oz fresh lemon juiceDash of citrus bittersAgave syrup (for rim)Ground dried hibiscus flower (for rim)Black lava salt (for rim)Garnish: Orange, lemon, and lime 'Volt' decorative slices Instructions: Rim a cocktail glass with agave syrup, then dip into a blend of ground hibiscus flower and black lava salt. Fill the glass with ice. In a shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, triple sec, orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, and a dash of citrus bitters. Shake vigorously. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with orange, lemon, and lime 'Volt' slice for a vibrant finish. Source:Ford's Gin 3 parts Fords Gin1 part Vodka 0.5 parts Lillet Blanc Lemon PeelGlassware: Cocktail Glass Garnish: Lemon Peel Method: Stir all ingredients over ice, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon peel.
Sydney Morning Herald
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
He's an alcoholic with several degenerative conditions. And he will make you dance and cry
Jim E. Brown's gone AWOL, nowhere to be found. 'Damn it, Jim,' his beleaguered tour promoter, Andy Burns, on hand to connect our Zoom interview, says after several unsuccessful attempts to track Brown down on his phone. 'I mean, this is very on-brand,' he adds with a resigned laugh. Look, it wasn't unexpected. As his songs – anthems such as I'm An Obese Alcoholic, I'm Naked in My Room Huffing Nitrous Balloons, and I Know I'm Going to Die of a Stroke – suggest, Jim E. Brown is battling demons. As his Bandcamp bio helpfully explains, 'Jim E. Brown is an alcoholic and has several degenerative conditions.' The same time a day later, Brown's found. He's backstage at a venue in Milwaukee, about 30 minutes from a headline slot, with an Old Fashioned in one hand and a Miller High Life in the other. 'There's also an entire refrigerator filled with beers, which I'll show you right now because you're a journalist and you need to see these things,' he says, swinging his laptop across the room to reveal a hefty stash. 'I'll need all of it before the end of the night.' Dressed in a mustard turtleneck and a grey blazer, he looks as dejected as he does on the cover of his 2021 debut, Jim E. Brown Sings His Songs. 'I'm so sorry about yesterday,' says Brown. 'I'm just deeply suspicious of the news media and I feared you were going to slander me. But Andy convinced me that it would be good to do this interview.' Burns first brought Brown to Australia last year, when the pair toured the country together for three weeks. 'My memory is a bit shoddy from alcohol abuse, but I remember the incessant squawking of the birds in Katoomba, which was very disturbing to me. I didn't really like that,' says Brown. Beyond a 'pie floater' he had in Adelaide, he didn't like much about Australia. 'I can't say I really like Australian people, they're a bit weird,' he says. 'But people all over the world are weird and I don't really like anyone, so it was alright.' If, by this point, this all sounds like some sort of Kaufman-ian shtick, that's because it is. Jim E. Brown comes from the same grand tradition as Mojo Nixon, Weird Al Yankovic, The Darkness or Jimothy Lacoste, musical acts who straddle the line between silly joke and sonic transcendence. According to his own lore, Brown was born and raised in East Didsbury in Manchester, the day before 9/11. It should be noted, there's a lot of Brown lore: three volumes of his autobiography Brown On Brown, and three subsequent memoirs (Holiday with Mrs. Higgins, Shattered, and Brittany's Burden, which tells the story of his relationship with a sober woman he met on Loosid, the sober dating app). 'And I'm working on my new book, which is as yet untitled,' adds Brown. 'It's a memoir about the time I spent living in the cage in Greg's basement.' What does that mean? 'Some bloke called Greg locked me in a cage in his basement and I wrote a book about it,' he says. Music was an unexpected career for Brown. 'As an alcoholic with several degenerative conditions and as an obese person who eats excessively, I'd been using alcohol and food to ease the pain in my life for so long, and I still do that,' he says. 'But then I discovered that music and poetry and the written word could also ease some of the pain, provide a bit of catharsis, so I started doing music for that reason.' Brown was 19 when he started releasing music. How old is he now? '19,' says Brown. 'Still 19?' I ask. 'Yes,' says Brown, stifling a chuckle with his hand. It's one of the few times I'll get a peek at the ridiculously dedicated man behind the act. In the internet age, mystery seems impossible, but whoever's behind Jim E. Brown is committed. Reddit seems to agree he's some guy from Philadelphia, a 40-something ex-animation filmmaker named Max Margulies. 'People have said that to me at shows, but I don't understand it,' says Brown. 'It's a bit weird. I don't go up to people saying, 'I heard you're from this place that you said you're not.' I take it at face value what people say. 'The mistrust galls me,' he adds. 'But it's alright, because they'll usually buy some merch, give me money, and then they say I heard you're actually this or that, and I say, 'Oh right, I don't know', and I move on. And then I take the money to the pub and I get pissed.' How does Brown account for the fact that, in the real world, Margulies is credited as the sole composer and writer on all his songs? 'I don't know who that is. I've not heard of him,' he says. 'I don't handle the publishing or anything like that, so I don't know the names. Also, you really can't trust what you read on the internet, you know?' Who am I to poke any further at the facade? Especially when the music is this good, songs that make you wanna dance, cry and possibly even get a medical check-up (see My Urine is Foamy, Do I Have Kidney Damage?). As a born and bred Mancunian (falsely, but still), Brown's sound understandably draws from Manchester's post-punk and baggy tradition. Drum machines and synths shimmer like a crap New Order. He wails like the Fall's Mark E. Smith, if Smith was a shame-ridden depressive. He rhapsodises like John Cooper Clarke, if Clarke was raised on YouTube brain rot. 'Never heard of them,' says Brown. 'People ask me about that all the time. They say, do you like Mark E. Mark or whatever his name is or the Smiths, and then I get confused, like which Smith is it? I've not listened to any of that music. My favourite artists are Coldplay, Kraftwerk and Phish. I'm also quite keen on Owl City. You know that song, Fireflies?' Loading It was Brown's album Shame – released last Christmas, and featuring the singalong I'm Quitting Prozac to Continue Drinking – that became an unlikely online breakout. Last year, Burns toured the US with Brown, where he noticed a sort of 'Jim E. mania' taking hold. 'People were stopping him in the streets,' he says. 'He just hit the luck of the algorithm.' Brown – or is that Margulies? – can't believe his music allows him to tour the globe. 'I mean, if I were to listen to something, the very last thing would be a Jim E. Brown album, that's 100 per cent sure,' he says. 'So I'm surprised, because it's all a bit shit to me.'
